ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting of Commerce and Industry on "New Foreign Trade Policy 2021-26" held
Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry was held today on the subject "New Foreign Trade Policy 2021-26". The meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and attended by Hon'bleMembers of Parliament and senior officers of the Ministry.
The Hon'bleMembers of Parliament were briefed about the Foreign Trade Policy . India's FTP has conventionally been formulated for five years at a time. The FTP 2015-20 came into effect on 1stApril 2015 and the same was extended by one year till 31 March 2021, due to Covid-19 pandemic.
It was informed that the new FTP will come into effect from 1st April 2021 for a period of five years and will strive to make India a leader in the area of international trade and channelize the synergies gained through merchandise and services exports for growth and employment with a goal to make India a USD 5 Trillion economy. A key driver for India to achieve the USD 5 Trillion mark in an expedited time frame would be boosting exports, both merchandise and services, through systematically addressing domestic and overseas constraints related to the policy, regulatory and operational framework for lowering transactions costs and enhancing ease of doing business, creating a low cost operating environment through efficient, cost-effective and adequate logistical and utilities infrastructure. Improvements in the operations of the domestic manufacturing and services sector in combination with efficient infrastructure support by the government would result in correcting the imbalances within India and feed into the trade policy.
It was informed that the District Export Hubs initiative will form an important component of the new FTP. The Department of Commerce through the Regional Authorities of DGFT has engaged with State / UT Governments to take forward this initiative in the districts and enable its implementation in a phased manner, with the objective of mobilizing the potential of each district of the country to achieve its potential as an export hub.
For the formulation of new Foreign Trade Policy, meetings have been held with stakeholders. In December 2020,Board of Trade meeting was held where State Governments and other stakeholders’ inputs were received. Further meetings were held with the Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations and Export Promotion Councils to provide their inputs. ATrade Notice, inviting suggestions from various stakeholders was issued and more than 2000 suggestions have been received. All the suggestions will be examined while formulating the new FTP.
In today’s meeting, Hon'ble Members of Parliament made valuable suggestions regarding new Foreign Trade Policy 2021-26. Shri Puri, MOS welcomed various inputs and suggestions of the MPs and informed that these will be considered by the Ministry while preparing the new FTP. Shri Puri invited all MPs to also give further inputs/suggestions.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays homage to Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day and recalled his noble thoughts. PM also urged the youth to read the Kural.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"On Thiruvalluvar Day, I pay homage to the wise Thiruvalluvar and recall his noble thoughts. Diverse in nature, they are a source of great motivation for people from all walks of life. I would also urge the youth to read the Kural."
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Doordarshan Relay Center from Mehsana, Modasa and Tharad will be closed from 31.10.2021 and Broadcasting from Doordarshan Relay Center Deesa will be closed from 31.03.2022
“As per Doordarshan Directorate New Delhi order, transmission of Doordarshan programme from Doordarshan Relay Centre Mehsana, Modasa and Tharad will be stopped with effect from 31.10.2021 and from Doordarshan relay centre Deesa with effect from 31.03.2022. It is hereby informed to General public/Viewers that Doordarshan channels are available on DTH Platform at “DD Free dish”. More information in this regard is available on website www.prasarbharati.gov.in
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Ministry of Law and Justice
Income Tax Tribunal, ITAT, for the first time, holds hearing through video conferencing
A division bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal , led by the Tribunal’s President Justice P.P. Bhatt, has, through web based video conferencing platform, heard and disposed of an urgent stay petition today. This is a first in the 79-year-old history of this Tribunal. The petition was heard by a two member bench of the ITAT Mumbai, comprising Justice Bhatt and Vice President, ITAT, Shri Pramod Kumar, through VC from their home offices since closure of the ITAT due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
The appellate, Solapur based Pandhes Infracon Pvt Ltd. had sought an extremely urgent hearing of its stay petition on a notice of recovery of Rs.2.91 crores dues by Income Tax, Mumbai office for Assessment Year 2010-11. The Company had earlier moved the Bombay High Court, but were directed to approach the ITAT first.
Granting the stay, the ITAT bench suspended all notices issued by the revenue authorities on the bankers and debtors of the Company. The Departmental representative, who was present during the course of hearing, was directed by the bench to inform the stay order to the Assessing Officer/Field Officer. The bench meanwhile directed the Company’s related appeal for hearing on out of turn basis will be taken up on 8th June 2020.
The ITAT benches based in 27 locations are equipped to hold similar hearings through VC on petitions made by assesses or revenue department on urgent matters as and when exigencies arise.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurates Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships being hosted in India for the first time in Greater Noida today
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on July 27th inaugurated the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023, which is being held in India for the first time at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida.
The international event will see participation of more than 30 Indian weightlifters, including many Khelo India Athletes who in the past month alone gave India its best ever performance at the Weightlifting Commonwealth Championships by winning 61 medals in total.
Talking about the event Shri. Thakur said, "I am very happy that India is hosting this prestigious event where more than 15 nations from the Asian region, 200 athletes and more than 50 technical staff and coaches are participating. Events like these are the bedrock for future sporting successes. I wish all the best to all the athletes participating in this event."
Praising the Weightlifting Federation of India Shri Thakur said, "I know that it is not easy to host such a big championship within such a short span, but when there is a will, there is a way and the Weightlifting Federation under the leadership of the President Sahdev Yadav has proved that."
The minister also spoke about the achievements of various iconic Indian weightlifters such as Karnam Malleshwari, Mirabai Chanu who inspire younger athletes to compete with more power. He also congratulated the new crop of athletes like Martina Devi, Harshada Garud and Dhanush Loganathan who in the past have won multiple Khelo India Games medals and other medals at the highest level.
The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships begins on July 28th and concludes on August 5th 2023.
Special Service and Features
Gold worth Rs. 34.11 lakhs, cigarettes, drone seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence Abdul Saleem, 61 of Tiruchirapalli and Kader Meeran, 45 of Oddanchatram who arrived from Dubai by Fly Dubai FZ-8517 were intercepted at exit on suspicion of smuggling gold. On their personal search, two gold chains weighing 152 grams valued at Rs. 7.7 lakhs were recovered. On further examination of their check-in luggage, a cardboard box, 10 white plastic sheets weighing 613 grams containing gold dust wrapped in carbon paper were found ingeniously concealed in the side layers of the box were recovered. On extraction 235 grams of gold valued at Rs. 12 lakhs was recovered and seized.
In another case, one Jalalulla, 46, of Chennai, who arrived from Dubai by Air India IX-1644, was intercepted at exit. On personal search five gold cut bits weighing 280 grams valued Rs 14 lakhs were recovered and seized. On further examination of his check in baggage, a carton box, 50 cartons of Esse Lights cigarettes & one drone valued at Rs. 1.30 lakhs were recovered and seized under Customs Act.
667 grams of gold valued at Rs. 34.11 lakhs, 50 cartons of cigarettes and drone worth Rs. 1.30 lakhs totally goods worth Rs 35.41 lakhs were seized under Customs Act.
Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President to visit Rajasthan on 14th May
Vice-President to unveil the statue of former Union Minister Late Shri Nathuram Mirdha at Merta City, Nagaur
 on May 14, 2023.
The Vice-President will offer prayers at the sacred Brahma temple and Shri Jat Shiva temple, Pushkar.
The Vice-President will later visit Kharnal, Nagaur, the birthplace of celebrated and revered social reformer Veer Tejaji.
Later in the day, the Vice-President will visit Merta City, Nagaur, to unveil the statue of former Union Minister, Late Shri Nathuram Mirdha.
Renowned freedom fighter and eminent leader of the farming community from Nagaur, Late Shri Nathuram Mirdha was a six-time Member of Lok Sabha and served as a Union Minister from 1979-80 & 1989-90. He served as Chairman of National Agriculture Prices Commission. He was also a four-time Member of Legislative Assembly, Rajasthan and served as a Cabinet Minister in Rajasthan Government.
Special Service and Features
Khelo India Junior Women's Swimming Competition from November 19
Sports Authority of India  under Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in association with Swimming Federation of India will organize zone-wise swimming challenge series competition across the country under the Khelo India scheme.In this regard, the first 'Khelo India Junior Women's South zone Swimming Competition' round 2 will be held from November 19 to 20 at the Dr. BR Ambedkar International Aquatic Complex, Pirappancode, Thiruvananthapuram. Shri Adoor Prakash M.P. will inaugurate the swimming competition on November 19 at 09:30 AM. Shri M. Vijayakumar, Former Sports Minister, Dr. G. Kishore Principal, SAI LNCPE, Shri Ajit Das, Secretary, Kerala State Sports Council, S. Rajiv, Vice President wimming Federation of India will attend the function. Junior women swimmers from across South India under the age of 18 and 15 will be participating in the competition.
--NS--
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
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India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 213.72 Cr
Over 4.04 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 52,336
4,417 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.69%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 2.06%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 213.72 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 4.04 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,04,14,325
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2nd Dose
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1,01,09,049
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Precaution Dose
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68,17,643
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,84,35,070
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2nd Dose
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1,77,03,207
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Precaution Dose
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1,32,64,802
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Age Group 12-14 years
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1st Dose
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4,04,84,204
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2nd Dose
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3,05,22,195
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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6,17,35,783
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2nd Dose
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5,24,94,179
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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56,07,49,340
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2nd Dose
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51,37,48,879
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Precaution Dose
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6,95,58,309
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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20,39,35,950
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2nd Dose
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19,64,80,537
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Precaution Dose
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3,81,09,335
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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12,76,04,209
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2nd Dose
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12,28,16,146
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Precaution Dose
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4,22,85,453
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Precaution Dose
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17,00,35,542
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Total
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2,13,72,68,615
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 52,336. Active cases now constitute 0.12% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.69%. 6,032 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,38,86,496.
4,417 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 3,67,490 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 88.77 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 2.06% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 1.20%.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
National Highways Authority of India
The dispute resolution process has been strengthened to reduce contingent liabilities arising out of litigation.
Keeping in view the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation  Act, 2015, NHAI has set up a mechanism for conciliation and settlement of the contractual disputes in a transparent manner by establishing a Conciliation & Settlement Committees of Independent Experts  as to expedite the dispute resolution process. As the amount involved in the Arbitration and Court pending cases form major part of Contingent Liabilities, the mechanism for expeditious settlement of disputes will reduce the Contingent Liability of NHAI. So far three CCIE have started functioning.
For the FY 2022-23, Government has allocated additional budgetary support of Rs. 59,000 crore for NHAI and reduced the proposed IEBR requirement to nearly Rs. 0.01 crore in order to reduce the liabilities of the NHAI. Government has also allowed other innovative financing models to NHAI e.g. TOT, InVIT, SPV etc. for asset monetization.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Power
"India has emerged as one of the world leaders in energy transition which is evident in the growth that we have achieved in the area of Renewable Energy": Shri R.K Singh
Power Minister chairs “India Energy Spotlight” Session at Senior Officials' Meeting of Clean Energy Ministerial
Union Minister for Power and MNRE Shri R.K Singh chaired the “India Energy Spotlight” session held today at the Clean Energy Ministerial  – Mission Innovation  Senior officials meeting being held in New Delhi.
In his keynote address, Shri R.K Singh said that in the present scenario, our major concerns are climate change and environmental degradation and the only way to cater such issues is energy transition. We have been walking on the path of energy transition and have managed to bring our country from power deficit to power surplus. Shri Singh emphasized that as our Hon'ble Prime Minister says, India has emerged as one of the world leaders in Energy Transition and this is evident in the growth that we have achieved in the area of Renewable Energy.
The Minister informed that we have managed to bring down Emission Intensity to a great extent. For achieving the goal of Energy Efficiency we have taken many initiatives like Energy Conservation Building Code  and Eco Niwas Samhita  for Commercial and Residential Buildings. With such steps we are way beyond the trajectories which we promised to achieve in these years, he added.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, followed by an address by Additional Secretary & India G20 Sous Sherpa, Ministry of External Affairs. While addressing the meeting, Secretary, Ministry of Power gave an overview of the achievements and goals for India’s clean energy transition.
The event was attended by more than 300 delegates from 29 countries. The Minister also interacted with the delegates on clean and renewable energy sector, India's roadmap to reduce carbon emission intensity, off shore wind and battery storage.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Gallantry Medal to Constable Anand Oran for his gallant action
Kolkata; January 25, 2022
Gallantry Award-2022 was awarded to Anand Oran, Constable for his gallant action. Working in BOP Gobardha, “G” Coy, 153 BSF under SB Frontier in North 24-Parganas, Constable Oran has shown excellent bravery while nabbing Bangladeshi cattle smuggler on August 20, 2019. During the scuffle with the smuggler, Constable Oran received injuries but still he did not let the smuggler go away. In the search operation, 10 cattle worth Rs. 83,690/-, 2 lathis and 1 dah were seized and Bangladeshi smuggler was nabbed.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Special event for Divyangjan at Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has specially invited only Divyangjans to visit 'Amrit Udyan' located at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 29 March 2023, which will be from 10 am to 5 pm. On this day Divyangs of Delhi NCR will participate in 'Amrit Udyan'. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Physically Handicapped , New Delhi, operated under the department, has been made the nodal agency for the programme.
Around 13,000 PwDs are likely to participate in this programme. This can also become a world record as this in itself is a commendable step by the Government of India. The Divyangjans of the country will feel elated by organizing this programme. Divyangjan Sansthan and other institutions, schools, non-governmental organizations , Social Welfare Department of Delhi Government, Education Department and Municipal Corporation of Delhi are also cooperating in this program under the department. It is also expected that the President of the country will interact with the Divyangjans in this program, which will be a proud moment in itself.
Ministry of Education
Union Education Minister launches Minimum Standards of Architectural Education Regulations, 2020
In continuation of pertinent educational reforms being made by Ministry of Education, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Education Minister virtually launched the "Minimum Standards of Architectural Education Regulations, 2020" here today. Minister of State for Education, Shri Sanjay Dhotre also graced the occasion. Senior officials of Ministry of Education and President, Council of Architecture , Ar Habeeb Khan, were also present on the occasion.
While addressing the participants Shri Pokhriyal highlighted about unique architectural beauty of India, its monuments and temples. He said that COA should draw inspiration from the present and past treasures of Architecture and bring a paradigm shift in the field of Architecture to make India a world leader again. The Minister was confident that these Regulations, which have been prepared by the experts of the Council, shall be able to address the major concerns and challenges lying in the area of human habitat and built environment in the country and propel India to a new high in the areas of innovation and skills development. He said that the architecture of India is rooted in its history, culture and religion.
The Minister said that with the launch of National Education Policy 2020, the vision of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for a new and vibrant India rests on the students who need to get ready for the challenges of the of the 21st century. NEP proposes many massive reforms and the implementation requires contribution from all. And these Regulations are for sure an important step in that direction which brings in many ideas and thoughts from the proposed NEP. He congratulated the Council of Architecture and Ar. Habeeb Khan, President, Council on the launching of these Regulations and wished the Council all the best in their endeavors for future.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Dhotre said that these Regulations have been in the making for a long time and have finally seen the light of the day after a long wait since the previous Regulations which were made in 1983. Since then, the education scenario has undergone a vast change all over the world. Therefore, it was high time that the Regulations dealing with Architectural education in the country need to be amended in light of the recent development in the field. The ancient cities, monuments, temples, buildings, etc are all Testament of Rich Indian Cultural Heritage and Awe-inspiring Architecture. Architecture of Modern India has the potential to compete with the very best in the world.
Shri Dhotre hoped that the student-centric approach of these Regulations shall equip the students to learn and develop their skills in a much-improved manner and enable them to take up the challenges of the 21st century.
Click here to see the detailed information on Minimum Standards of Architectural Education, Regulations 2020
AYUSH
Cabinet approves official amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the official amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 for amending the Homoeopathy Central Council  Act, 1973. Presently, the Bill is pending in Rajya Sabha.
The amendments will:
- ensure necessary regulatory reforms in the field of Homoeopathy education.
- enable transparency and accountability for protecting the interest of the general public. The Commission will promote availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country.
Background:
The Homoeopathy Central Council  Act, 1973 was enacted for constitution of a Central Council of Homoeopathy for regulation of education and practice of Homoeopathy, for maintenance of Central Register of Homoeopathy and for matters connected therewith. This Act has been modelled on the pattern of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. The broad functions, constitution, regulation making powers are identical to those of the Medical Council of India. While the Act provides a solid foundation for the growth of medical education and practice in Homoeopathy, but various bottlenecks in the functioning of Council have been experienced, which has resulted in serious detrimental effects on medical education as well as delivery of quality Homoeopathy healthcare services.